Arsenal vs. Hull

Arsenal v. Hull City

Today Hull City visit the Emirates for the second time this season, and a much improved performance from Arsenal will be needed this time around if they are to book a date at Wembley against Chelsea in the FA Cup semifinals. A showing more like we saw at the KC Stadium back in January should see Arsenal through.

Vital Quotes:

Wenger has spoken of his squads hunger to end this frustrating season on a high note. 'Of course there is a burning desire to win a trophy and if we focus on our performances then we can create something special.

'If we are consistent we will be ahead of Villa at the end of the season. We have the experience to cope with pressure and that helps.

'I expected us to win against Blackburn but I didn't expect Villa to lose to Tottenham. That was the bonus of the weekend.'

Without the captain and linchpin of the team, Cesc Fabregas, the Boss said the team has had to change its style. 'We have had to [adapt]' Wenger told ATVO.

'I believe we will all be happy when Cesc comes back but we had to cope without him and of course, I believe it will be a big lift for everybody when he`s back. But we had to do without him.

'When he`s there, everything goes through him but when he`s not it can take a while to adapt because the game goes through different ways - it`s plural.

'When it`s Fabregas it is more one-way traffic at the start of the build-up.'

Arsenal Team News:

After having eight stitches in the side of his foot at halftime of the Blackburn game, Andrey Arshavin is a doubt, but he is rushing to get himself back for this game. Wenger said Andrey was 'desperate' to play. Eduardo is out for one more game, while Ramsey and Almunia are also out. Manuel has a sprained ankle from that disgusting challenge by Diouf. Fabianski will be between the posts for his usual spot in cup games. Gael Clichy will be rested for this game, and the ever reliable Gibbs will step in in his place.

Player to watch: Kieran Gibbs

Kieran might not be the match winner, but I will be watching him because of how impressive he has been this season. It seems we have another real talented left back on our hands that is molded to our attacking style of play, like his predecessors Cole and Clichy. Look for him to lock down Hull's right midfielder, something Clichy had trouble doing at the KC Stadium.

Hull Team News:

Hull will be without long term absentees and influential midfielders Jimmy Bullard and George Boateng. And since Kevin Kilbane is cup-tied Andy Dawson will step in at left mid. Dean Marney will sit out the last match of his three match ban for a red card against Blackburn at the beginning of the month.

Player to watch: Manucho

On-loan Manchester United striker will most likely be preferred to Cousin for this match. In January Manucho came on as a sub and caused the Arsenal defense problems until Djourou put a hole in his head during a play which should of resulted in a Hull penalty. The Angolan has looked good as of late so Gallas and whoever partners him will have their hands full.

Match Facts & Stats

Arsenal haven't lost a domestic match since late November.

This is Arsenal's best cup run since 2005 when we last lifted the trophy.

The last time these two sides met in the FA Cup was a 1930 semifinal and Arsenal advanced.

Match Prediction:

With the new found spirit and desire in our squad, I see Arsenal progressing past a resilient Hull. I will go with 3-1 to the Arsenal with van Persie getting on the score sheet while Eboue and Arshavin continuing their goal scoring ways.

Next Fixtures:

21/3 (Sat) - Newcastle (A) - Premier League

4/4 (Sat) - Manchester City (H) - Premier League

7/4 (Tue)- **Quarter-Final TBD** - Champions League

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Your Comments (oldest first)

I'm interested to see who will start today with Arshavin possibly too injured to play and Nasri needing a rest. Hey Amos, I was wondering who has played the most minutes for the team so far this year. Seems like Sagna has played a ridiculous amount lately.

I'm interested to see who will start today with Arshavin possibly too injured to play and Nasri needing a rest. Hey Amos, I was wondering who has played the most minutes for the team so far this year. Seems like Sagna has played a ridiculous amount lately.

I'd like to see Brice's lineup above. Just that I'm not sure if Nasri might need a rest, having played full games in Rome. In case he or AA couldn't start, I'd fancy Vela to do a good job with his pace and tricks against the Hull defence. 3-1 also sounds reasonably achievable for us. Now I'll confidently go and get a few hours' sleep and get up at 3.30am for this. :)

I'd like to see Brice's lineup above. Just that I'm not sure if Nasri might need a rest, having played full games in Rome. In case he or AA couldn't start, I'd fancy Vela to do a good job with his pace and tricks against the Hull defence. 3-1 also sounds reasonably achievable for us. Now I'll confidently go and get a few hours' sleep and get up at 3.30am for this. :)

What he said is what he said. We never know if he is telling the truth or not. You just have to assume he thinks Ramsey is having a difficult time physically coping at his age and build. I expect Denilson to be rested with Diaby coming in, hope not though.

What he said is what he said. We never know if he is telling the truth or not. You just have to assume he thinks Ramsey is having a difficult time physically coping at his age and build. I expect Denilson to be rested with Diaby coming in, hope not though.

I think Nasri won't play: he completed 120 mins in Rome, and outran everyone on the pitch on Sat vs. Blackburn. He is due a rest and with the likes of Vela and Theo itching for a start it is logical that he'll take a rest. Also Arshavin's 8 stitches are worrying and I believe he'll start on the bench against Hull.

I think Nasri won't play: he completed 120 mins in Rome, and outran everyone on the pitch on Sat vs. Blackburn. He is due a rest and with the likes of Vela and Theo itching for a start it is logical that he'll take a rest. Also Arshavin's 8 stitches are worrying and I believe he'll start on the bench against Hull.

Happens with young players. Evidently, Wilshere has been struggling slightly in training which is why he has not featured for a while other than in the U-19s, young players go through peaks and troughs. Ramsey looked excellent in November, but after the Cardiff game he had a bit of a dip and has made some errors in games. All part of the growing process.

Happens with young players. Evidently, Wilshere has been struggling slightly in training which is why he has not featured for a while other than in the U-19s, young players go through peaks and troughs. Ramsey looked excellent in November, but after the Cardiff game he had a bit of a dip and has made some errors in games. All part of the growing process.

ok, fair enuf, LD, I was just a little confused by AW's explanation. On another subject entirely, am I alone in being royally fed up with Sheffield United's persistent campaign to milk everything they can in their scapegoating campaign v. West Ham, blaming their relegation entirely on one player instead of looking at their team's own failings? Just when you thought the whole saga had come to an end, now Warnock opens it all up again by saying he's going to sue West Ham himself. Not that I defend WHam's conduct in the affair but SheffU's Whingeing Campaign just strikes me as something only a club of loser crybabies would persist with. Looks to me like they and Warnock won't be happy until they destroy WHam entirely.

ok, fair enuf, LD, I was just a little confused by AW's explanation. On another subject entirely, am I alone in being royally fed up with Sheffield United's persistent campaign to milk everything they can in their scapegoating campaign v. West Ham, blaming their relegation entirely on one player instead of looking at their team's own failings? Just when you thought the whole saga had come to an end, now Warnock opens it all up again by saying he's going to sue West Ham himself. Not that I defend WHam's conduct in the affair but SheffU's Whingeing Campaign just strikes me as something only a club of loser crybabies would persist with. Looks to me like they and Warnock won't be happy until they destroy WHam entirely.

Theo and Vela on the wings RVP and Nicky up front, Song and Diaby in the middle Gibbs, Gallas, Djouru and Sagna with Fabiansky in goal should be enough to see off Hull, keep Andrei and Nasri on the bench just in case if they are needed.

Theo and Vela on the wings RVP and Nicky up front, Song and Diaby in the middle Gibbs, Gallas, Djouru and Sagna with Fabiansky in goal should be enough to see off Hull, keep Andrei and Nasri on the bench just in case if they are needed.

Another comedy goal conceded. AW is furious with his team, they've started very slowly and are playing like this will be a cakewalk. They seem to have forgotten that Hull have a 100% record against London teams.

Another comedy goal conceded. AW is furious with his team, they've started very slowly and are playing like this will be a cakewalk. They seem to have forgotten that Hull have a 100% record against London teams.

We've spent the entire 1st half getting into the game. The creative players are looking better now. We need to cut out on the long balls, every single one of which gets headed away by their defence, and play on the ground, that's when we look more creative and dangerous. And how did Gallas get a yellow there? Thought he got the ball. Also did Riley see #24 downed Theo in the box? Is it just me?!

We've spent the entire 1st half getting into the game. The creative players are looking better now. We need to cut out on the long balls, every single one of which gets headed away by their defence, and play on the ground, that's when we look more creative and dangerous. And how did Gallas get a yellow there? Thought he got the ball. Also did Riley see #24 downed Theo in the box? Is it just me?!

I think Gallas got the ball, but the player did kick it away at the same time. 50/50. Our attacking players need to get into gear and I never understand why van Persie is played off a striker, especially Vela. Vela should be on the left with Arshavin playing behind van Persie.

I think Gallas got the ball, but the player did kick it away at the same time. 50/50. Our attacking players need to get into gear and I never understand why van Persie is played off a striker, especially Vela. Vela should be on the left with Arshavin playing behind van Persie.

Yeah Tomf that's what I thought would be the lineup when I saw the names. I was a bit disappointed to see AA in LW. I'd really like AW to move him to the hole, Vela in LW. But that's not really the main problem as our players are mobile and running around interchanging positions. I just thought the creativity was only starting to kick in the last 10 mins of the 1st half. Let's go from there and do better now.

Yeah Tomf that's what I thought would be the lineup when I saw the names. I was a bit disappointed to see AA in LW. I'd really like AW to move him to the hole, Vela in LW. But that's not really the main problem as our players are mobile and running around interchanging positions. I just thought the creativity was only starting to kick in the last 10 mins of the 1st half. Let's go from there and do better now.

Crosses are finally useful with Bendtner in the box. Credit to him for working hard to keep the ball from Theo's cross in play. Also credit to AA for being unselfish and clever for picking a pass instead of shooting. Let's go on and win now! :D

Crosses are finally useful with Bendtner in the box. Credit to him for working hard to keep the ball from Theo's cross in play. Also credit to AA for being unselfish and clever for picking a pass instead of shooting. Let's go on and win now! :D

All Bendtner bashers listen up! There's a reason Roma were afraid of Bendtner, his ability with high balls, you haters! We just got that game-saving goal because he's the only player we had on the pitch who could get on the other end of a cross!

All Bendtner bashers listen up! There's a reason Roma were afraid of Bendtner, his ability with high balls, you haters! We just got that game-saving goal because he's the only player we had on the pitch who could get on the other end of a cross!

jubair, you're so right! They deserve nothing better. Freaking timewasting when the game has barely started. GALLAS comes thru once again, the guy's just a massive player for us, to hell with all the drama about him. I LOVE WILLIAM!

jubair, you're so right! They deserve nothing better. Freaking timewasting when the game has barely started. GALLAS comes thru once again, the guy's just a massive player for us, to hell with all the drama about him. I LOVE WILLIAM!

Poor form for Arsene, refusing to shake hands with Brown. I understand his frustration but you know the media will make hay out of it. No sympathy for Hull at all, they got what they deserved. Play f---ing football instead of defending a 1 goal lead for 80 minutes by desperate amateur timewasting tactics. And Riley was a massive massive scumbag, refusing to call Hull on so many fouls, it was comical.

Poor form for Arsene, refusing to shake hands with Brown. I understand his frustration but you know the media will make hay out of it. No sympathy for Hull at all, they got what they deserved. Play f---ing football instead of defending a 1 goal lead for 80 minutes by desperate amateur timewasting tactics. And Riley was a massive massive scumbag, refusing to call Hull on so many fouls, it was comical.

I enjoyed the Gallas goal and the way he and the team celebrated it. He just looked at the crowd, arms in the air, smiling as if he had banished the previous bitterness and demons, almost Tony Adam-style!

I enjoyed the Gallas goal and the way he and the team celebrated it. He just looked at the crowd, arms in the air, smiling as if he had banished the previous bitterness and demons, almost Tony Adam-style!

Out of interest I just did a bit of research on Mr Riley and was amused to find there is a whole section in his wiki dedicated to criticisms against him. Riley vs. Webb for the Ultimate Jester award... too close to call.

Out of interest I just did a bit of research on Mr Riley and was amused to find there is a whole section in his wiki dedicated to criticisms against him. Riley vs. Webb for the Ultimate Jester award... too close to call.

It's just ridiculous that, despite Riley's comical decisions and lack of decisions on quite a few occasions, Hull still got 5 yellow cards: 2 for unsporting behaviour, 1 for dissent, 1 for not retreating at set play, amazingly only 1 for time-wasting. There could/should have been a couple of second yellows imo!

It's just ridiculous that, despite Riley's comical decisions and lack of decisions on quite a few occasions, Hull still got 5 yellow cards: 2 for unsporting behaviour, 1 for dissent, 1 for not retreating at set play, amazingly only 1 for time-wasting. There could/should have been a couple of second yellows imo!

I guess its hightime we learnt to accept that Wenger does know. He's human and I fully expect him to make mistakes, but his faith in this team seems fully justified to me now. Song that used to run around like a headless chicken is suddenly looking the part, its obvious Diaby is going to become some player once he becomes that little bit more consistent, Bendtner will also get their eventually, I can hardly wait for next season! Bring it on!

I guess its hightime we learnt to accept that Wenger does know. He's human and I fully expect him to make mistakes, but his faith in this team seems fully justified to me now. Song that used to run around like a headless chicken is suddenly looking the part, its obvious Diaby is going to become some player once he becomes that little bit more consistent, Bendtner will also get their eventually, I can hardly wait for next season! Bring it on!

Really doesn't surprise me with Cesc. Probably a super nice guy off the pitch, but when it comes to football he has always been a little devil. Remember when he spat in Ballack's face against Bayern Munich?

Really doesn't surprise me with Cesc. Probably a super nice guy off the pitch, but when it comes to football he has always been a little devil. Remember when he spat in Ballack's face against Bayern Munich?

GK, I'll be a bit careful repeating that accusation without further proof if I were you. The British press and Sky are not exactly our friends and none of them are reporting it yet, and for hacks who would invent controversies when it suits them, thats a bit odd.

GK, I'll be a bit careful repeating that accusation without further proof if I were you. The British press and Sky are not exactly our friends and none of them are reporting it yet, and for hacks who would invent controversies when it suits them, thats a bit odd.

They showed something of a spat between AW and their asst mgr before Brown came down to the bench. AW kept complaining about the time-wasting and unpunished fouls to the officials. But did something happen between the 2 camps? Brown was also fuming towards the end (well of course, when his plan of time-wasting their way to a win/replay was failing), maybe something had happened? I would imagine the whole Arsenal bench were angry, but Cesc really should be better. I hope there's an explanation to this.

They showed something of a spat between AW and their asst mgr before Brown came down to the bench. AW kept complaining about the time-wasting and unpunished fouls to the officials. But did something happen between the 2 camps? Brown was also fuming towards the end (well of course, when his plan of time-wasting their way to a win/replay was failing), maybe something had happened? I would imagine the whole Arsenal bench were angry, but Cesc really should be better. I hope there's an explanation to this.

When you have kids with passion, stuff happens, but I'm hoping they find no evidence even if its true, but Wenger has to discipline this petulant trait out of Fabregas, superb footballer, but he's got an awful lot of maturing to do if this is true. IF.

When you have kids with passion, stuff happens, but I'm hoping they find no evidence even if its true, but Wenger has to discipline this petulant trait out of Fabregas, superb footballer, but he's got an awful lot of maturing to do if this is true. IF.

Phil Brown does what is best for Hull City. Wenger does the same thing for Arsenal. FFS this is football, its not like your supposed to end up buddy buddy at the end. I have no problem with Brown for that reason. You do what you have to to win. But spitting in someones face in completely different.

Spitting in the guy's face blinded their team so much they got whupped from a winning position. Why can't people just lose with pride? H ow did the saliva affect their team,s performance? The FA and Premier League board must hold an inquest!

Phil Brown does what is best for Hull City. Wenger does the same thing for Arsenal. FFS this is football, its not like your supposed to end up buddy buddy at the end. I have no problem with Brown for that reason. You do what you have to to win. But spitting in someones face in completely different.

Spitting in the guy's face blinded their team so much they got whupped from a winning position. Why can't people just lose with pride? H ow did the saliva affect their team,s performance? The FA and Premier League board must hold an inquest!

As far as I know we never act as lame as Hull. Else I wouldn't even consider being a gooner. First taking every moment to win time even before 30 minutes of football and the lame attitude on every occasion. Then tackling Diaby fiercely (if it was on his chin, bye bye Diaby for this season) and complaining about the time passing by! They should silently go up north and some show respect for a football club. Besides the spat (which, as many of us, I still don't believe) Brown should just shut up.

As far as I know we never act as lame as Hull. Else I wouldn't even consider being a gooner. First taking every moment to win time even before 30 minutes of football and the lame attitude on every occasion. Then tackling Diaby fiercely (if it was on his chin, bye bye Diaby for this season) and complaining about the time passing by! They should silently go up north and some show respect for a football club. Besides the spat (which, as many of us, I still don't believe) Brown should just shut up.

I can't stand Phil Brown, who is a Sam Allardyce cronie, and I'm so happy we beat them. I remember when they scored against us when we lost earlier in the season and Brown turned around and started sticking his hands up to the Arsenal fans - but of course that's not provocative is it. Sod em - they can go back to Hull and get relegated (not coz I hate Hull, but coz of that knob Brown).

I can't stand Phil Brown, who is a Sam Allardyce cronie, and I'm so happy we beat them. I remember when they scored against us when we lost earlier in the season and Brown turned around and started sticking his hands up to the Arsenal fans - but of course that's not provocative is it. Sod em - they can go back to Hull and get relegated (not coz I hate Hull, but coz of that knob Brown).

Gk et al, I just read Phil Brown's comments verbatim on Setanta's site, and I can tell you, its the rants of a sore loser. He disputes the Myhill booking for time wasting and blames Wenger for the booking. Wenger is famous for his selective myopia, but Brown takes the crown. I'll be glad to spit in his face if he'll offer it!

Gk et al, I just read Phil Brown's comments verbatim on Setanta's site, and I can tell you, its the rants of a sore loser. He disputes the Myhill booking for time wasting and blames Wenger for the booking. Wenger is famous for his selective myopia, but Brown takes the crown. I'll be glad to spit in his face if he'll offer it!

deledudu, are you being serious about Diaby? He goes backwards in every game. The guy needs to improve more than any other player to get into our team. The guy is clueless. God knows what Wenger was thinking when he subbed Song off.

deledudu, are you being serious about Diaby? He goes backwards in every game. The guy needs to improve more than any other player to get into our team. The guy is clueless. God knows what Wenger was thinking when he subbed Song off.

Well Wenger says he's not worried, believe the Prof! And having read Brown's interview, it seems even less likely to be true. He first has a rant about everything else and then mentions it, as if it would be that minor if it would have truly happened. GG gooners! see ya

How dared Brown criticise Riley for 'succumbing to local pressure' and wrongly booking his keeper for time-wasting?! And that they didn't lose to Arsenal but 'a linesman decision and a ref's decision'?! That's beyond being a bad loser, they're pure lies! If anyone could say the ref favoured us in the game, he's either a great **** or he's hopelessly deluded! http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Football/2009/03/17/Prem-Phil-Brown-reaction/gnid-44803/

Well Wenger says he's not worried, believe the Prof! And having read Brown's interview, it seems even less likely to be true. He first has a rant about everything else and then mentions it, as if it would be that minor if it would have truly happened. GG gooners! see ya

How dared Brown criticise Riley for 'succumbing to local pressure' and wrongly booking his keeper for time-wasting?! And that they didn't lose to Arsenal but 'a linesman decision and a ref's decision'?! That's beyond being a bad loser, they're pure lies! If anyone could say the ref favoured us in the game, he's either a great **** or he's hopelessly deluded! http://www.setanta.com/uk/Articles/Football/2009/03/17/Prem-Phil-Brown-reaction/gnid-44803/

Tom, have some faith, Diaby has regressed since his horrible injury, but you can still see the skill and promise in his play, he'll get their eventually Tom. I understand Brown's game, its his own way of creating a siege mentality to fire up his team, the spitting allegation took it a bit far though, and it came out as an after thought, an attempt at mud raking

Tom, have some faith, Diaby has regressed since his horrible injury, but you can still see the skill and promise in his play, he'll get their eventually Tom. I understand Brown's game, its his own way of creating a siege mentality to fire up his team, the spitting allegation took it a bit far though, and it came out as an after thought, an attempt at mud raking

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/comment-from-club-captain-cesc-fabregas
Well Cesc is denying it, but he's not entirely accurate with his statement because, as has already been pointed out, he has spat on someone on a football pitch. Brown's post match tirade is a disgrace and the mark of a terrible loser and a ***** poor man, but if Cesc has spat at Horton he is just as bad and there is absolutely no excuse for it, not having it. But I'll need to see video evidence first.

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/comment-from-club-captain-cesc-fabregas
Well Cesc is denying it, but he's not entirely accurate with his statement because, as has already been pointed out, he has spat on someone on a football pitch. Brown's post match tirade is a disgrace and the mark of a terrible loser and a ***** poor man, but if Cesc has spat at Horton he is just as bad and there is absolutely no excuse for it, not having it. But I'll need to see video evidence first.

He's a **** that Phil Brown. If Wenger had come out after a defeat and said these things we would be labelled as whingers and bad losers. There are over 50 cameras and untold photographers at the games so if Fabregas came on the pitch and spat in someones face there will be evidence. I seriously hope he didnt do it because I wont defend him but Phil Brown and his disgusting persona can ***** off regardless.

He's a **** that Phil Brown. If Wenger had come out after a defeat and said these things we would be labelled as whingers and bad losers. There are over 50 cameras and untold photographers at the games so if Fabregas came on the pitch and spat in someones face there will be evidence. I seriously hope he didnt do it because I wont defend him but Phil Brown and his disgusting persona can ***** off regardless.

Apparantly we(the fans) put pressure on the referee do book their goalkeeper. Oh wait, maybe he got booked for taking 20+ seconds on every goal kick from the 15th minute onwards. Brown is a tw**, but if fabregas has spat then i will be very dissapointed in him.

Apparantly we(the fans) put pressure on the referee do book their goalkeeper. Oh wait, maybe he got booked for taking 20+ seconds on every goal kick from the 15th minute onwards. Brown is a tw**, but if fabregas has spat then i will be very dissapointed in him.

is it true that in his first interview with Setanta Brown said Fabregas 'encroached on the pitch' and spat at his assistant manager, in the Sky interview he changed it to spitting at his feet in the tunnel?

is it true that in his first interview with Setanta Brown said Fabregas 'encroached on the pitch' and spat at his assistant manager, in the Sky interview he changed it to spitting at his feet in the tunnel?

Even if their were evidence and Fabregas was found guilty of spitting at the floor near his feet, realistically what kind of punishment could the F.A dish out. You dont score a goal by almost hitting the target...

Even if their were evidence and Fabregas was found guilty of spitting at the floor near his feet, realistically what kind of punishment could the F.A dish out. You dont score a goal by almost hitting the target...

It is true G4L, I watched live, and after Brown made that accusation Setanta found some footage of Cesc on the pitch apparently having words with Horton. No spitting can been seen though. When the acusations were first made I thought it might be true, Cesc has previous and I doubted whether someone would make such a story up to sully the name of a young player, but after seeing the accusations change so quickly from "spitting in his face on the pitch" to "spitting at his feet in the tunnel" all I can think is "liars".

It is true G4L, I watched live, and after Brown made that accusation Setanta found some footage of Cesc on the pitch apparently having words with Horton. No spitting can been seen though. When the acusations were first made I thought it might be true, Cesc has previous and I doubted whether someone would make such a story up to sully the name of a young player, but after seeing the accusations change so quickly from "spitting in his face on the pitch" to "spitting at his feet in the tunnel" all I can think is "liars".

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